Study of the use of products containing Ginkgo biloba extract in Bulgaria for the period 2011-2013

Abstract

On the Bulgarian market, the products containing Ginkgo biloba extract are three categories - medicinal products (MP) and food supplements (FS), which are mono-products and combined products. The purpose of this study was to analyze the use of products containing Ginkgo biloba extract in Bulgaria for the period 2011-2013 and by a questionnaire method to study the practice of doctors to prescribe such products. The market research is done according to data from IMS Health and by interviews with doctors from the regions of Varna and Dobrich. The results from the study showed that in the years 2011-2013 there was an increase in the sale of products containing Ginkgo biloba extract, both in number of packs sold and in terms of value at a relatively unchanging average package price. In the study period, the greatest was the increase in the use of MP. The greatest was the market share of the combined FS. The predominant share of combined FS cuold be explained by the greater variety and number of these products. The four products with the greatest market share were combined FS. The survey showed that almost all physicians prescribe products containing Ginkgo biloba extract. The most prescribed and recommended are the combined FS. Most often Ginkgo biloba containing products are prescribed for disturbances in blood flow and memory in patients above the age of 60. Decisive in the choice of a product is the combination of efficacy, quality and price.